Floor-to-ceiling partition wall assembly

ABSTRACT

A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/702,018, filed Sep. 17, 2012, entitled “FLOOR-TO-CEILING PARTITIONWALL ASSEMBLY”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/702,008, filed Sep.17, 2012, entitled “VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE DOOR ASSEMBLY”; U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/701,977, filed Sep. 17, 2012, entitled“MONITOR MOUNT ASSEMBLY”; and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/701,969, filed Sep. 17, 2012, entitled “SLIDING DOOR ASSEMBLY”, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to partition arrangements foropen office spaces and the like, and in particular to a floor-to-ceilingpanel wall assembly that is adaptable to suit a wide variety of openoffices spaces and user preferences.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Partition systems for open office spaces, and other similar settings,are well known in the art. Individual partition panels areinterconnected in different configurations to form separate offices,workstations, or work settings. The partition panels are extremelydurable and can be readily disassembled and reassembled into alternativeconfigurations to meet the ever-changing needs of the user.

Partition systems can be adapted to provide privacy is some areas,generally using a floor-to-ceiling partition system, while also allowingfor open communication in other areas, which is better provided by lowheight, see-over partition systems.

The finishing, fitting-out or build-out of open building spaces foroffices and other similar environments has become a very importantaspect of effective space planning and layout. Work patterns,technology, and business organizations are constantly evolving andchanging and so too are the needs of each individual user. The buildingspace users require products which facilitate change at lower costswhile also having the adaptability necessary to provide a clean anduniform aesthetic appearance in assembly. Changing technology andchanging work processes demand that a design and installation be able tosupport and anticipate change. At the same time, appearance of thebuilding space has become increasingly important to customers andoccupants, particularly as companies have realized the importance andpositive (or negative) effect on worker's attitudes and their ability todo a job efficiently. Accordingly, one very important requirement ofthis integrated furnishing system is to provide a floor-to-ceilingpartition wall assembly that is adaptable to suit a wide variety of openoffices spaces and user preferences while also providing a novelattractive appearance even after reconfiguration.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a method of installing apanel member on a frame assembly. The method includes providing a panelmember having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or morepositioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. Thepositioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning memberadapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method furtherincludes setting the positioning members to determine a registrationpoint for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more drivingassemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, eachhaving a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frameassembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on theframe assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of installinga panel member on a frame assembly. The method includes providing apanel member having an inner surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, andfirst and second side edges. The first and second side edges of thepanel member are more than twice as long as either of the top and bottomedges. The method further includes setting mounting a first positioningassembly on the inner surface of the panel and setting an adjustablepositioning member on the first positioning assembly to engage the frameassembly. Setting the positioning member defines a first registrationpoint for the panel member. The method further includes mounting a firstdriving assembly on the inner surface of the panel, the first drivingassembly having a biasing member adapted to engage the frame assembly todrive the panel member towards the first registration point on the frameassembly

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will befurther understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art byreference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel wall system according toembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vertical frame member;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical frame member;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a horizontal frame member;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a panel wall system according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a latch mechanism;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a panel assembly mounted to a verticalframe member having a latch mechanism mounted thereto;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an actuator lever;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a latch member and a base plate;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an actuator lever partially disposedwithin a base plate which is coupled to a panel assembly;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a latch mechanism as coupled to avertical frame member;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support member mounted to a panelassembly;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the support member of FIG. 15 asmounted to a horizontal frame member;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a panel positioning assembly as mountedto a frame assembly;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another panel positioning assembly asmounted to a frame assembly;

FIG. 19A is a bottom perspective view of the positioning assembly ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a positioningassembly;

FIG. 19C is a perspective view of another embodiment of a positioningassembly;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views of a spring-loaded top supportmember mounted to a skin assembly;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a spring-loaded hook engagement member;

FIG. 23A is a side elevational view of a spring-loaded top supportmember mounted to a skin assembly and coupled to a frame member;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a spring-loaded top support membermounted to a skin assembly and coupled to a frame member with a portionof the support members shown in phantom;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a frame assembly having acousticalseals;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an acoustical seal assembly;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of an acoustical seal assembly;

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of an acoustical seal assembly coupled toa horizontal frame member;

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of an acoustical seal assembly coupled toa vertical frame member with a furniture component exploded away;

FIG. 27C is a perspective view of the acoustical seal assembly andvertical frame member of FIG. 27B with furniture component extendingthrough the seal assembly to engage the vertical frame member;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an acoustical seal assembly coupled toa vertical frame member with panel assemblies mounted thereto as shownin phantom;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a panel wall assembly having an endtrim member;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an end trim member having an upperacoustical seal;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an end trim member having a loweracoustical seal;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of an angled end trim member and anacoustical seal;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustment bracket andgang box;

FIGS. 34A-34D are perspective views of an adjustment bracket andassociated gang boxes;

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary perspective view of adjustment bracketspositioned to be mounted to a frame assembly;

FIG. 36A is an exploded perspective view of an adjustment bracket andpower block;

FIG. 36B is a fragmentary perspective view of the power block of FIG.36A connected to a junction box disposed on a frame assembly;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an adjustment bracket and datareceptacle coupled to a frame assembly;

FIG. 38 is an exploded view of a frame assembly having a structuralreinforcement member mounting assembly and a panel assembly;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a structural reinforcement memberhaving parts of mounting assemblies coupled thereto;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a panel assembly having mountingassemblies disposed thereon;

FIG. 41 is an exploded view a mounting assembly;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an assembled mounting assembly;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a panel system having a cabinetaccessory, shown in phantom, coupled to mounting assemblies of upper andlower structural reinforcement members shown in phantom;

FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view of an upper portion of a panelwall assembly;

FIGS. 45A-45B are perspective views of an acoustical seal strip;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a panel wallassembly;

FIG. 47-48 are perspective views of a post extension system;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a panel wallassembly;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an base track assembly and covermember;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a panel wallassembly;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a frame assembly and panel assembliesas positioned in a panel wall assembly;

FIG. 53 is a fragmentary perspective view of a panel assembly positionedon a frame assembly;

FIG. 54 is a fragmentary perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG.53 as mounted on the frame assembly;

FIG. 55 is a rear perspective view of a panel assembly;

FIG. 56 is a fragmentary perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG.55 positioned on a frame assembly;

FIG. 57 is a fragmentary perspective view of user engaging an actuatorlever; and

FIG. 58 is a fragmentary perspective view of a latch mechanism ascoupled to a panel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,”“right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume variousalternative orientations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described infollowing specification, are simply exemplary embodiments. Hence,specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, unlessexpressly stated otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 generally designates areconfigurable floor-to-ceiling panel wall system embodying the presentinvention, which is particularly designed for use in office spaces, andother similar work environments. In the illustrated example, thereconfigurable office panel wall system 1 includes a frame assembly 3supporting a plurality or series of panel assemblies 6 in afloor-to-ceiling arrangement. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frameassembly 3 includes a plurality of vertical frame members 10 andhorizontal frame members 12 with a ceiling track 13 disposed along anupper portion, and cover members or base assemblies 15 disposed along alower portion. The panel wall system 1 includes various types of skinassemblies shown in FIG. 1 as solid or opaque skin or panel assemblies6, 6′ and translucent or glass skin assemblies 8. The translucent orglass skin assemblies 8 are adapted to allow light to pass therethroughfor illuminating an office space arrangement as dictated by a user'sdesign preferences. The solid panel assemblies 6 generally include anouter facing aesthetic surface 14, shown on panel assemblies 6, and aninwardly facing inner surface 16, as shown on panel assemblies 6′. Inassembly, the panel wall system 1 is configured to have a first skin orpanel assembly 6 disposed on one side of the frame assembly 3, with asecond skin assembly 6′ disposed on an opposite side of the frameassembly 3 in a substantially parallel spaced apart relationship.

As noted above, the frame assembly 3 is comprised of vertical andhorizontal frame members 10, 12 which are substantially similar incross-section. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each vertical framemember 10 includes a generally “I”-shaped cross-section having a firstend 18 and a second end 20 with a web portion 22 disposed therebetweendefining central longitudinally extending first and second channels 24,26. The first and second ends 18, 20 comprise outwardly opening channels28 which are disposed on either side of a slotted channel 30 havingslots 32 which are spaced along a length of the slotted channel 30. Theweb portion 22 further comprises apertures 34 for coupling of adjacentframe members or other frame components to the vertical frame member 10in assembly. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, each horizontal frame member12 also includes a generally “I”-shaped cross-section having a first end38 and a second end 40 with a web portion 42 disposed therebetweendefining central longitudinally extending first and second upwardly anddownwardly opening channels 44, 46. The first and second ends 38, 40similarly comprise outwardly opening channels 48 which are disposed oneither side of a slotted channel 50, having slots 52 which are spacedalong a length of the slotted channel 50. As shown in FIG. 6, thevertical and horizontal frame members 10, 12 couple to one another toform the structure of the frame assembly 3 using “L”-shaped brackets 60which are adapted to couple to central channels 24, 44 and 26, 46 ofboth the vertical and horizontal frame members 10, 12 in assembly.“L”-shaped brackets 60 can be disposed above or below the horizontalframe member 12 as necessary to support and rigidify the connectionbetween the vertical and horizontal frame members 10, 12.

As noted above, and shown in FIG. 7, each solid panel assembly 6includes an inwardly facing inner surface 16 having a plurality of latchmechanisms 70 spaced about the periphery thereof, one or more supportmembers 72 spaced along a lower edge thereof, as well as positioningassemblies 74, 76 which are adapted to facilitate the positioning of askin assembly on the frame assembly 3 as further described below. Thelatch mechanisms 70, the support members 72, and the positioningassemblies 74, 76 are secured to the inner surface 16 of a panelassembly 6 adjacent a perimeter or outer edge 17 of the panel assembly6, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, using fasteners 78 such as self tappingscrews and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each latch mechanism 70 includes a housingmember 80 with a latch member 86 telescopingly received therein. Thelatch member 86 is movable between a latched first position A and anunlatched second position B. A mounting portion or base portion 94couples to the housing member 80 using clips 97. Thus, the housingportion 80 is disposed on the base portion 94 and latch member 86 iscaptured therebetween. As best shown in FIG. 9, the latch member 86includes a latch portion 88 and a body portion 90 that is telescopinglyreceived within a housing portion 80A of the housing member 80. The bodyportion 90 includes an actuation channel or groove 92 slidably engagedby an actuator lever 100 as further described below. The actuationgroove 92 is a contoured cam surface that is angularly shaped such thata quarter turn of the actuator lever 100, along a path indicated byarrow E, between a recessed or retracted first position C and anextended or accessible second position D, moves the latch member 86 fromthe latched position A to the unlatched position B, respectively, asshown in FIG. 8. As further shown in FIG. 9, clip members 97 extendupwardly from the base portion 94 such that they are received inapertures 81 disposed on the housing member 80 to clip the housingmember 80 to the base portion 94 as shown in FIG. 8. The housing member80 further includes a planar portion 80B having apertures 83 which areadapted to align with apertures 93 disposed on the base portion 94. Inthis way, the latch mechanism 70 can be secured with fasteners to apanel assembly through aligned apertures 83,93. As further shown in FIG.9, a clip member 87 is disposed on the body portion 90 of the latchmember 86. In operation, the clip member 87 is adapted to retain thelatch mechanism in the latched or unlatched positions A, B byinteracting with features disposed on the upper portion of the housingportion 80A of the housing member 80. As further shown in FIG. 9, abiasing mechanism 98 includes first and second ends 98′, 98″ which areadapted to engage a portion of the actuator lever 100 and an attachmentfeature 95 disposed on the base portion 94 respectively. The biasingmechanism 98 is adapted to basis the actuator lever 100 to a recessedposition as further described below with reference to FIG. 13.

As shown in FIG. 10, the actuator lever 100 is disposed within a gap 110between adjacent skin assemblies when in the recessed position C, but isvisible from the outer surface 14 and easily accessible when in theextended position D. Gap 110 is best shown in FIG. 28 between adjacentpanel or skin assemblies 6, 6′. In this way, the actuation lever 100serves as an indicator mechanism to positively indicate when a skinassembly, such as skin assembly 6 shown in FIG. 10, is fully engagedwith a vertical or horizontal member of the frame assembly 3, such asvertical member 10 shown in FIG. 10. As an indicator mechanism, theactuator lever 100 is capable of visibly indicating the engagementstatus of a latch mechanism 70 with the panel wall system 1.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the actuator lever 100 of each latchmechanism 70 comprises a handle portion 102 and an engagement portion106 with a body portion 104 disposed therebetween. In assembly, theengagement portion 106 engages the actuation groove 92 disposed on thebody portion 90 of the latch member 86. The handle portion 102 ofactuation lever 100 is engaged by a panel installer to actuate the latchmechanism 70. It is noted that the handle portion 102 of the actuatorlever 100 of the latch mechanism 70 is accessible from the aestheticouter surface 14 of the panel assemblies 6 as mounted to the frameassembly 3, even though the latch mechanism 70 is secured to the innersurface 16 of the panel assembly 6.

As noted above and shown in FIG. 10, the handle portion 102 is seatedwithin a gap 110 defined between the outer edge 17 of a solid panelassembly 6 and a component of the panel wall system 1, such as anadjacent panel assembly, as best shown in FIG. 28. Thus, FIG. 10 showsthe actuation lever 100 in a recessed position C, thereby indicatingpositive engagement. As noted above, the latch mechanisms 70 act asindicator mechanisms to let users know when a panel assembly 6 ispositively engaged or disengaged from the frame assembly 3. This isindicated by the handle portion 102 of a latch mechanism 70 beingdisposed outboard of an outer edge 17 of the panel assembly 6 in anextended position D, such as handle portion 102 shown in phantom in FIG.10. Here, the handle portion 102 of the actuator member 100 is visiblefrom and extends beyond the outer surface 14 of the panel assembly 6.The visibility of the handle portion 102 in an extended position D letsa user know that an associated panel is not properly engaged with theframe assembly 3. It is further contemplated that the actuator lever 100can include a brightly colored handle portion 102, such as “cautionyellow” color, to better visibly indicate to a user or installer when askin assembly 6 is not positively engaged with the frame assembly 3 andneeds adjustment. A latch member 86 of latch mechanism 70 is in thelatched position A and shown secured to channel 26 of a vertical member10 of a frame assembly 3 in FIG. 14. As noted above, gaps 110 are formedbetween the outer edge 17 of a panel assembly 6 and a component of apanel wall system, wherein the component could be an adjacent panelassembly, a furniture component, a glass panel assembly 8 (FIG. 1), awall panel accessory or the like. The gaps 110 are contemplated to beapproximately 6 mm, plus or minus 1 mm. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, and12-13, a wire or lever stop member 107 may also be coupled to the baseportion 94 of the latch mechanism 70 to prevent the actuator lever 100from moving too far towards the recessed position C, thus keeping thelever 100 accessible to a user.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13, a portion of the body 104 of theactuator lever 100 is disposed within a housing channel 96 disposedwithin the base plate member 94. The actuator lever 100 is biasedinwardly in a direction 99 by a biasing member, such as biasing spring98 having a first end 98′ that is coupled to engagement portion 106 ofthe lever 100. A second end 98″ of spring 98 is coupled to an attachmentfeature 95 disposed on base plate 94. Thus, when in the recessedposition D and seated within a panel gap 110, the actuator lever 100 isbiased inwardly by the biasing spring 98, such that the actuator lever100 is fully concealed behind the inner surface 16 of the panel assembly6 and out of view of the panel wall system occupants. In this way, theactuator lever 100 is disposed inboard of the outer edge 17 of the panelassembly 6 when in the recessed position C, and disposed outboard of theouter edge 17 of the panel assembly in the extended position D.

As noted above, and shown in FIG. 7, the panel assemblies 6 furthercomprise support members 72 secured to the inner surface 16 of the solidpanel or skin assembly 6 using fasteners 78. As best shown in FIGS. 15and 16, each support member 72 includes a housing portion 118 disposedbetween mounting portions 116. In assembly, the mounting portions 116are generally planar portions used to couple the support members 72 to alower portion of the inner surface 16 of a solid panel assembly 6. At alower end of the support members 72, the housing portion 118 defines adownwardly opening hook portion 120 that engages the longitudinallyextending channel 44 of an associated horizontal frame member 12. Inassembly, the solid panel or skin assembly 6 is positioned with respectto the frame assembly 3 such that the hook portion 120 of each of thesupport members 72 engages the longitudinally extending channel 44 of anassociated horizontal frame member 10. The top edge of the solid panelassembly 6 is then rotated towards the frame assembly 3, and latchmechanisms 70 are actuated to engage a corresponding horizontal orvertical frame member 10, 12 thereby securing the solid panel assembly 6to the overall frame assembly 3. Panel installation is further describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 52-56. The support members 72 furthercomprise panel biasing wire springs 122, which function to bias the skinassemblies 6 outward from the frame member 3 as further described below.

As noted above and shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, each solid panel assembly 6may include both right and left positioning assemblies 74, 76 which arespaced along a lower edge of the panel assembly 6. As best illustratedin FIG. 7, the latch mechanisms 70, the support members 72 andpositioning assemblies 74, 76 are all secured to the inner surface 16 ofthe panel assemblies 6 using fasteners 78 which can be self tappingscrews and other like fasteners. Each positioning member 74, 76 includesa downwardly opening hook portion 130 that engages an upwardly openingchannel 44 of an associated horizontal frame member 12 in a similarmanner as the engagement of the hook portions 120 of the support members72. Further, the hook portion 130 can be adjustable as described below.Each positioning assembly 74, 76 further includes a housing portion 134disposed between two mounting portions 132. In assembly, the mountingportions 132 are generally planar portions used to couple thepositioning support members 74, 76 to the inner surface 16 of the solidpanel assembly 6. The positioning assemblies 74, 76 further comprisefirst and second flanges 138, 140 which are used as attachment surfacesfor various positioning features. Specifically, the left positioningassembly 74 (FIG. 17) comprises a biasing spring member 142 coupled tofirst flange 138 which engages a vertical frame member 10 in assembly tobias the panel assembly 6 to the right as indicated by arrow G. As shownin FIG. 18, right positioning support member 76 comprises a horizontallyadjustable conical shaped positioning member 150 which is attached tosecond flange 140. The conical shaped positioning member 150 comprises aconical shaped head portion 152 and a threaded support shaft 154 whichengages a threaded member 156 in assembly which is disposed on thesecond flange 140. The conical shaped positioning member 150 ishorizontally adjustable by rotating the threaded shaft 154 relative tothe threaded member 156 thereby moving the conical shaped head portion152 to a desired horizontal positioning location along a direction asindicated by arrow H. Thus, the conical shaped positioning member 150 islaterally adjustable to accommodate varying configurations of the frameassembly 3. The positioning assembly 76 shown in FIG. 18 furtherincludes a biasing spring member 142 coupled to first flange 138,although as positioned on the inner surface 16 of the panel assembly 6,the biasing spring 142 is not used to position the associated panel 6.

In assembly, the downwardly opening hook portions 130 of the left andright positioning assemblies 74, 76 engage the upwardly opening channel44 of a horizontal frame member 10, much like the downwardly openinghook portions 120 of support members 72 discussed above. As the panelassembly 6 is rotated upward into its upright position, the conicalshaped positioning member 150 of right positioning support member 76engages a side wall of a vertical frame member 10 and the conical shapedhead 152 is positioned such that interaction between the conical shapedhead 152 and the side wall of the upright 10 will move the panelassembly 6 laterally to the left as indicated by arrow I (FIG. 18). Thismovement to the left as indicated by arrow I causes for engagement ofthe biasing spring member 142, disposed on the left positioning assembly74, with an opposite vertical frame member 10 as shown in FIG. 17. Theleft and right designation of the positioning features noted above isnot intended to limit the configuration of the positioning features onthe positioning assemblies 74, 76 in use. The left and right positioningassemblies 74, 76 further comprise wire biasing springs 122 whichfunction to bias the skin assemblies 6 outward from the frame member 3as further described below.

As shown in FIG. 19A, and noted above, the positioning assemblies 74, 76may include a housing portion 134 which is coupled to an adjustabledownwardly opening hook portion 130 which is vertically adjustable usingan adjustment mechanism 155 shown as an adjustment screw in FIG. 19A.The adjustment screw 155 has a threaded shaft component 157 that engagesan engagement block 131 disposed on the adjustable downwardly openinghook portion 130. Once vertically positioned using adjustment screw 155,the downwardly opening hook portion 130 of positioning assembly 76remains fixed in place. The downwardly opening hook portion 130 ofpositioning assembly 76 is coupled to the housing 134 using a fastener172.

Referring now to FIG. 19B, another embodiment of a positioning assembly250 is shown, wherein the positioning assembly 250 includes first andsecond portions 254, 256 which are substantially perpendicular to oneanother giving the position assembly 250 an overall L-shapedconfiguration. Apertures 258 are disposed on the first portion 254 andare adapted to receive fasteners to secure the position assembly 250 tothe inner surface 16 of a panel assembly 6E as shown in FIG. 55. Thesecond portion 256 includes a biasing spring member 260 having aresilient spring portion 262 and a generally planar attachment portion264. Fasteners 266 are used to couple the biasing spring 260 to thesecond portion 256 of the positioning assembly 250. In operation,biasing spring 260 functions in a similar manner to biasing spring 142described above.

Referring now to FIG. 19C, another embodiment of a positioning assembly252 is shown. Positioning assembly 252 is a generally fixed positioningassembly having a body portion 270 which includes side walls 272, 274and attachment surface 276, thereby giving the positioning assembly 252an overall U-shaped cross-section. Apertures 278 are disposed on theattachment surface 276 and are used to fasten the position assembly 252to an inner surface 16 of a panel assembly 6. In a front portion of thepositioning assembly 252, flange portions 272′, 274′ are turned inportions of side walls 272, 274 respectively and include an aperturedisposed therethrough (not shown) for receiving a positioning member 300having a conical-shaped head portion 302 and a threaded member 304 whichengages a threaded shaft 303, such that the positioning member 300operates in a similar manner as positioning member 150, described abovewith reference to FIG. 18, to provide a fixed positioning assembly 252that is customizable for a particular panel installation. It is furthercontemplated that the positioning member 300 may include an externallydisposed shaped portion disposed on threaded member 304, to laterallyadjust the positioning of the head portion 302.

As shown in FIGS. 20-23B, solid panel assemblies 6 that are adjacent tothe upper portion of the frame assembly 3 may further include one ormore spring-loaded top support members 160 spaced along the upper edgeof the panel assembly 6. Depending on the horizontal span of aparticular solid panel assembly 6, any number of spring-loaded topsupport members 160 can be attached to the inner surface 16 of a panelassembly 6 to provide sufficient support to the panel assembly 6 fromthe frame assembly 3.

Each spring-loaded top support member 160 includes an upwardly openinghook portion 162 that is spring-loaded and engages an associateddownwardly opening channel 46 of a horizontal frame member 12 inassembly as shown in FIG. 23A. Specifically, the spring-loaded topsupport member 160 includes generally planar mounting portions 164having apertures 166 for connecting the spring-loaded top support member160 to the inner surface 16 of a solid panel assembly 6 using fasteners,such as self tapping screws and the like. Between the mounting portions164, a housing portion 168 is disposed which houses the spring-loadedupwardly opening hook portion 162. As shown in FIG. 20, the upwardlyopening hook portion 162 is spring-loaded and adapted to plunge in andout of the housing portion 168 in a substantially vertical directionindicated by arrow J. A biasing spring member 170 biases or loads theupwardly opening hook portion 162 to an extended position as shown inFIG. 20. As shown in FIGS. 20-22, fastener guides 172 are adapted tocouple the upwardly opening hook portion 162 to a top wall of thehousing portion 168. The upwardly opening hook portion 162 furtherincludes one or more elongate channels or apertures 174 in whichfastener guides 172 are received. The fastener guides 172 are nottightened on the elongate apertures 174 and therefore serve as guides tothe upwardly opening hook portion 162 as it slidably plunges into andout of the housing portion 168 along a length of the apertures 174 inassembling the panel wall system 1. As shown in FIG. 23A, and FIG. 21with the housing portion 168 in phantom, the spring-loaded top supportmember 162 further comprises a back plate 176 disposed on a rear portionof the housing 168, wherein a fastener 178 couples biasing spring 170 tothe housing portion 168.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the spring-loaded top support member 160is coupled to panel assembly 6 and the upwardly opening hook portion 162is engaged with a downwardly open longitudinally extending channel 461of a structural upper horizontal frame member 450. As shown in FIGS.22-23B, the spring-loaded top support member 160 further comprises abiasing wire spring member 122, in a similar configuration as thebiasing wire spring members 122 found on the support members 72 and thepositioning assemblies 74, 76. The biasing wire spring member 122 of thespring-loaded top support member 160 serves the same purpose as the wirespring members 122 noted above, and now discussed in detail. The biasingwire spring member 122 is coupled to the housing portion 168 andincludes a spring finger 124. The biasing wire spring member 122 iscoupled to the housing portion 168 at spring clips 180 and apertures 182disposed on side walls of the housing portion 168 which provide a pointof leverage for the biasing wire spring member 122. In assembly, thebiasing wire spring member 122 contacts the inner surface 16 of anassociated panel assembly 6 at a contact portion 126 of the springmember 122. The spring finger 124 contacts a side wall 451 of the upperhorizontal frame member 450 to bias the solid panel assembly 6 outwardlyaway from the upper horizontal structural frame member 450 of the frameassembly 3 in a direction as indicated by arrow K. The panel assembly 6is biased outwardly by the biasing wire spring member 122 to ensureplanar alignment with and aesthetic uniformity between adjacent panelassemblies as mounted on the frame assembly 3 (FIG. 1). As noted above,the biasing wire spring members 122 found on the support members 72 andthe positioning assemblies 74, 76 also act to bias the panel assembliesoutwardly from the frame assembly 3 to provide an overall uniformappearance for the panel wall system 1 (FIG. 1).

In assembly, and as noted above, the solid panel or skin assembly 6 ispositioned with respect to the frame assembly 3 such that the supportmembers 72 engage the longitudinally extending upwardly opening channel44 of an associated horizontal frame member 12 as shown in FIG. 16. Thetop edge of the solid panel assembly 6 is then rotated towards the frameassembly 3 such that the upwardly opening hook portions 162 of thespring-loaded top support members 160 engage a portion of an upperhorizontal structural member 450 and is thereby plunged downward intothe housing portion 168 in a direction indicated by arrow J (FIGS. 21and 23A). After the panel assembly 6 is in place and the upwardlyopening hook portion 162 has cleared the side wall of the horizontalstructural member 450, the biasing spring 170 of the spring-loaded topsupport member 160 urges the upwardly opening hook portion 162 intoengagement with the downwardly opening channel 461 of the associatedhorizontal structural member 450, as shown in FIG. 23A and in phantom inFIG. 23B.

The panel wall system 1 further includes a variety of acoustical sealassemblies which help provide privacy and help make for a moresoundproof office environment for panel wall system occupants. Thevariety of acoustical seal assemblies includes acoustical seals 190,shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, which are adapted to couple to the verticaland horizontal frame members 10, 12 in assembly as further describedbelow. Acoustical seal assemblies 190 are configured to form sealsbetween adjacent panel assemblies 6 and the frame assembly 3, such aspanel assemblies 6, 6′ shown in phantom in FIG. 28. As shown in FIGS. 25and 26, each acoustical seal assembly 190 includes a generally planarelongate body portion 192 having a central pierceable membrane 194 and apair of longitudinally and inwardly extending hook-shaped connectorportions 196 disposed on a first side of the body portion. The planarbody portion 192 also includes landings 198 from which the hook-shapedconnector portions 196 inwardly extend. The central pierceable membrane194 is disposed between and connects the landings 198. The centralpierceable membrane 194 is flexibly resilient and pierceable, such thatengagement or attachment features (i.e. hooks and other like connectors)of partition wall components can pierce through the central pierceablemembrane 194 to engage slots 52 disposed on a slotted channel 50 of anassociated horizontal frame member 12 as best shown in FIG. 27A.Similarly, the acoustical seals 190 can be used on vertical framemembers 10, thereby providing pierceable access to slots 32 disposedthereon as shown in FIG. 27B. In this way, the acoustical sealassemblies 190 do not need to be removed from an associated frame member(10, 12) when connecting another frame component, or other likeaccessory, to the associated frame member (10, 12), even if thepierceable membrane 194 is covering necessary engagement features. Thus,as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C, the pierceable membrane 194 of sealassembly 190 is covering attachment locations or engagement features 32,shown in FIG. 27B as vertically disposed slots or apertures disposedalong vertical frame member 10. A furniture component 202 includes asupport portion 204 and a mounting portion 206, wherein the mountingportion includes one or more attachment features 208 a-208 c. As shownin FIG. 27C, the attachment features 208 a-208 c have pierced throughthe pierceable membrane 194 of seal assembly 190 to engage engagementfeatures 32. Thus, a portion of the furniture component 202 extendsthrough the pierceable membrane 194 of seal assembly 190. This is abeneficial feature in that the acoustical seal assembly 190 may requirethe removal of one or more panel assemblies, such as panel assemblies 6,6′ shown in FIG. 28 to be fully removed.

Thus, the acoustical seal assemblies 190 of the present invention havinga pierceable membrane 194 that does not have any apertures disposedthereon, until the a furniture component, such as furniture component202 described above, pierces the membrane 194 to couple to a framecomponent. As shown in FIG. 28, with the attachment features covered bythe pierceable membrane 194, both of which are disposed in and alignedwith gap 110 between the adjacent panel assemblies 6, 6′, the connectingof another panel wall component is all the more practical. Further, in apartition system, sound can travel through small gaps, such as gaps 110of the present invention, as well as engagement features, such as slots32, 52 disposed along frame members 10, 12. The pierceable membrane 194of the acoustical seal assemblies 190 covers the entirety of the gap 110between the adjacent panel assemblies 6, 6′, and therefore, providesboth an aesthetically clean appearance between the panel assemblies 6,6′, and further helps to prevent sound propagation through the panelwall system.

Referring again to FIGS. 27A-28, each hook-shaped connector portion 196is flexibly resilient and is releasably received within outwardlyopening channels, such as channels 28, 48 as found on the frame members10, 12. The acoustical seal assembly 190 further includes a pair oflongitudinally and outwardly extending, loop-shaped seal portions orbulbs 200, which, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, are disposed on a secondand opposite side of the planar body portion 192 relative to theinwardly extending connector portions 196. Each seal portion 200 is alsoflexibly resilient to form acoustical seals between frame components andpanel assemblies as further described below.

Referring to FIGS. 24-28, the overall makeup of the acoustical sealassembly 190 varies with regards to rigidity and resiliency. Thepierceable membrane 194 is flexibly resilient and pierceable, such thatthe overall acoustical seal assembly 190 can be folded or deformed toaid in the alignment of the hook-shaped connector portions 196 within anassociated channel 28, 48 of the frame members 10, 12. The loop-shapedseal portions 200 are also flexibly resilient and similar in makeup ascompared to the pierceable membrane 194 to ensure that the seal portions200 are easily deformed to provide a tight seal between panel assemblies6 and the frame assembly 3. The landing portions 198 and connectorportions 196 are also resilient, but are more rigid as compared to thepierceable membrane 194 and the seal portions 200. In this way, thehook-shaped connector portions 196 allow for a more snap-fit typeengagement with the channels 28, 48 of the frame members 10, 12. Thus,the acoustical seal assembly 190 is a one-piece integrally formedacoustical seal assembly having varying degrees of resilience in itscomponent parts. It is further noted that each component part of theacoustical seal assembly 190 runs the length of the acoustical sealassembly 190, but may be trimmed as necessary in assembly.

Regarding the varying makeup of the acoustical seal assemblies 190, itis contemplated that the acoustical seal assemblies 190 can be pultrudedor co-extruded polymeric acoustical seals, wherein the acoustical sealassemblies 190 are one-piece integrally formed unitary members havedifferent Shore hardness values with respect to different components ofthe acoustical seal assemblies. A Shore hardness value or durometer is ameasurement of a hardness of a material which is often defined as amaterials resistance to permanent indentation. The higher the Shorehardness value or durometer, the more resistant a material is toindentation. The acoustical seal assemblies 190 of the present inventionare one-piece integrally formed unitary seal assemblies which exhibit adual durometer makeup. Thus, the hardness of the different portions ofthe acoustical seal assemblies 190 exhibit varying hardness values. Forexample, in one embodiment, the acoustical seal assembly 190 shown inFIG. 25 has an elongate generally planar body portion 192 which includesthe pierceable membrane 194. As noted above, the body portion 192 isflexible, so it has a relatively low Shore hardness value with respectto other components of the seal assembly. Specifically, in oneembodiment, it is contemplated that the outwardly extending connectorportions 196 have a first Shore hardness value, whereas the sealportions 200 have a second Shore hardness value. In this embodiment, itis contemplated that the first Shore hardness value is higher than thesecond Shore hardness value, such that the outwardly extending connectorportions 196 are more rigid as compared to the more flexible sealportions 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, it is contemplatedthat both the loop-shaped seal portions 200 and the pierceable membrane194 have a similar Shore hardness value, whereas the outwardly extendingconnector portions 196 and the landings 198 have a higher Shore hardnessvalue in comparison. Thus, a seal assembly 190 of the present inventionhas an overall dual durometer makeup.

In assembly, the solid panel assemblies 6, 6′, as shown in FIG. 28 areadjacent panel assemblies connected to and supported by a verticalmember 10 of the frame assembly 3. During assembly, the seal portions200 of each of the acoustical seal assemblies 190 are deformed as theinner surface 16 of the panel assemblies 6, 6′ contact the sealassemblies 190 as adjacent panels 6, 6′ are positioned on the frameassembly 3, thereby acoustically sealing the overall panel wall system1. In this way, one acoustical seal assembly 190 is able to provide aseal between the frame assembly 3 and two adjacent panel assemblies 6,6′ disposed on either side of the gap 110 formed between the adjacentpanel assemblies 6, 6′. In this way, first and second seal portions 200disposed on a second side of the body portion 190, are adapted toseparately engage adjacent panel assemblies 6, 6′ about a peripherythereof.

As shown in FIGS. 29-31, the panel wall system 1 further comprises aplurality of end trim members 210 which are adapted to couple to framemembers, such as the vertical frame members 10 located on an end run ofthe panel wall assembly 1, and provide an aesthetic cover thereto. Eachend trim member 210 includes a body portion 212 having an inner surface215 and an outer surface 217. The body portion 212 includes a generallyrectangularly-shaped cross-sectional configuration that defines an openchannel 214 extending the length thereof, and a pair of longitudinallyextending engagement arms 216 disposed on the inner surface 215 as shownin FIG. 30. The arms 216 are adapted to engage a frame member inassembly, thereby releasably securing the end trim member 210 with theframe assembly 3. First and second acoustical seal members 218, 220 arepositioned within first and second open ends 222, 224 of the openchannel 214, thereby preventing sound or noise from propagating alongthe open channel 214 into an adjacent section of the panel wall system1. The first and second open ends 222, 224 are disposed on either sideof a middle portion 213 of the channel 214. It is noted that the firstand second acoustical seal members 218, 220 may also be configured to beinserted in trim members of varying configurations, such as the angledtrim member 211 shown in FIG. 32. Angled trim seal member 218 mayfurther include proud or raised portions 219 that form the seal withinthe open channel 214 of the end trim member 210. Further, it iscontemplated that the acoustical seal assemblies 218, 220 can be die cutfoam pieces or malleable foam members which can be compacted forinsertion into the open ends 222, 224, and then allowed to expand orresiliently fill the open ends 222, 224 to seal the channel 214. Thefirst and second acoustical seal members 218, 220 provide an acousticbarrier to noises which may be carried to or originate from trim member210. The configuration of the first and second acoustical seal members218, 220 allows for the open channel 214 of the end trim member 210 tobe accessible at the middle portion 213 for coupling of other framecomponents thereto. The middle portion is accessible as the acousticalseal assemblies 218, 220 function like plugs on the first and secondends 222, 224 of the open channel 214 of the end trim member 210, andthus do not occupy the entirety of the open channel 214, such as themiddle portion 213. It is further contemplated that the middle portion213 of channel 214 can house an attachment feature for securing acomponent of the panel wall system thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-34D, an electrical box assembly 550 includesan adjustment bracket assembly 552 having a body portion and upper andlower bracket portions 554, 558. Upper bracket portion 554 is adapted tocouple to a horizontal frame member 12 using fasteners 556 shown in FIG.33. The lower bracket portion 558 couples to an adapter bracket 560. Theadapter bracket 560 supports multiple sizes of electrical and databoxes, such as gang boxes 570A-570D. As shown in FIG. 33, a single gangbox 570A is coupled to the adapter bracket 560 using brackets 572 andfasteners 574. In this way, the single gang box 570 a is adapted tocouple to an outwardly facing surface 562 of the adapter bracket 560with brackets and fasteners 572, 574 being disposed on an inwardlyfacing surface 564 of the adapter bracket 560. As further shown in FIG.33, the single gang box 570A includes top and bottom surfaces 576, 578,side wall surfaces 580, 582 and a rear wall surface 584 to define acavity 586. In assembly, the cavity portion 586 of the gang box 570A isadapted to support and house an electrical or data receptacle which, inFIG. 33, is shown as receptacle 588. The receptacle 588 couples toattachment flanges 590 disposed at upper and lower portions of theopening into the cavity 586. Further, a cover member 592 is disposedover the receptacle 588 and further couples to attachment flanges 590.As further shown in FIG. 33, U-shaped mounting brackets 594A, 594B arefastened to the sidewalls 580, 582 using fasteners 596. U-shapedmounting brackets 594A and 594B further include attachment flanges 598which, in assembly, align with brackets 572 for coupling to the adapterbracket 560. In this way, the attachment flanges 598 are disposed on theouter facing surface 564 of the adapter bracket 560 and the attachmentbrackets 572 are disposed on the inner facing surface 564 of adapterbracket 560 in assembly. As further shown in FIG. 33, the adapterbracket 560 includes a plurality of vertical slots 566 disposed along alength thereof, such that the adapter bracket 560 can support varyingsizes of electrical boxes as shown in FIGS. 34A-34D.

The adapter bracket 560 further includes a generally horizontal slot 569which is disposed above vertical slots 566, such that the lower bracketportion 556 of the adjustment bracket assembly 552 can allow for theadapter bracket 560 to move laterally in a direction as indicated byarrow L (FIG. 34B) to meet specific configuration requirements of aparticular system.

As shown in FIGS. 34A-34D, the adjustment bracket assembly 552 isadapted to support a single gang box 570A, a double gang box 570B, atriple gang box 570C, and a quadruple gang box 570D. The varying sizesof the gang boxes 570A-570D are supported on the vertical slots 566 ofthe adapter bracket 560. Thus, the mounting flanges 594A and 594B, asshown in FIG. 33, engage various vertical slots 566 as necessary tosupport an electrical gang box of a particular size. Further, it iscontemplated that a smaller gang box, such as gang box 570A, can bedisposed anywhere along the length of the adapter bracket 560 toaccommodate a specific design requirement. In this way, the adjustableback assembly 12 can be adjusted by moving the adapter bracket 560laterally within slot 569 as indicated by arrow K (FIG. 34B), andfurther, the electrical gang box, such as gang box 570A, can bepositioned anywhere laterally across the body of the adapter bracket560, thereby providing a multi-positional adjustment bracket assembly552.

Referring now to FIG. 35, a first electrical box assembly 550 is showncoupled to a horizontal frame member 12, with a second adjustmentbracket assembly 550′ coupled to a lower horizontal structural member450′. Thus, as shown in FIG. 35, the electrical box assembly 550 can becoupled to a horizontal frame member 12 using fasteners 556 disposedthrough apertures 34 which are spaced along upwardly opening channel 44of the horizontal frame member 12. As shown in FIG. 35, the firstelectrical box assembly 550 is spaced along horizontal frame member 12 adistance X from vertical frame member 10. Electrical box assembly 550′is positioned within an upwardly opening channel of structuralhorizontal member 450′, such that the electrical box assembly 550′supports gang box 570A above the structural horizontal member 450′.

Referring now to FIGS. 36A, 36B, the electrical box assembly 550 isshown supporting a power block bracket 600 which is adapted to receive apower block 602. The power block 602 includes first and second ports604, 606 which are adapted to couple to first and second harnessconnectors 610, 612 for providing power to the power block 602. Thepower block 602 further includes a cavity portion 608 disposed betweenouter ports 604, 606. In assembly, receptacles 614, 616 are adapted tocouple to ports 604 and 606 within the cavity portion 608 of the powerblock 602 as shown in FIG. 36B. Cover assemblies 618, 620 are adapted tocover receptacles 614, 616 as received within the cavity portion 608 ofthe power block 602. It is contemplated that the cover assemblies 618,620 may be disposed between the receptacles 614, 616 and a solid panelassembly as supported on the frame assembly 3. As shown in FIG. 36B, thepower block 602 is received within the power block bracket 600 andharness connector 612 is shown being coupled to outside port 606. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 36B, the harness connector 612 is coupled to ahardwire assembly 622 which is adapted to feed through aperture 34Adisposed through body portion 42 of the horizontal frame member 12. Thehardwire assembly 622 is further shown disposed through an upperhorizontal structural member 450, such that the hard wire assembly 622is a conduit to junction box 624. A strain relief bracket 626 is adaptedto couple to the hardwire assembly 622 and further couple to outwardlyopening channel 24 of the vertical frame member 10 through an attachmentaperture 34. In this way, the strain relief bracket 626 can support theweight of the hardwire assembly 622 as necessary for a specific designconfiguration.

Referring now to FIG. 37, the electrical box assembly 550 is shownsupporting a data block 630 having data receptacle 632 received inapertures 634. A data cable 636 is coupled to data block 630 to providedata and power to data receptacle 632. A cable tie assembly 638 is usedto support the data cable 636 with an interior of the frame assembly 3.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 37, the cable tie 638 is a generalloop-shaped cable tie that is disposed around data cable 636 and throughadjacent apertures 34 disposed on horizontal frame member 12. Aconnector clip 640 is used to adjust the size of the cable tie 638 toproperly support the data cable 636 in a configuration necessary for aspecific design layout.

The panel wall system 1 further includes an optional structuralreinforcement horizontal frame member 350 which can be used to supportwall panel components off of the frame assembly 3 as further describedbelow. As shown in FIG. 38, a solid panel or skin assembly 6 is explodedaway from two opposite and spaced apart vertical frame members 10,wherein a structural reinforcement horizontal frame member 350 iscoupled to and disposed between vertical frame members 10. Thestructural reinforcement horizontal frame member 350 is coupled to anddisposed between vertical frame members 10 by L-shaped brackets 60disposed on upper and lower sides of the structural reinforcementhorizontal member 10 to ensure a rigid engagement with the frameassembly 3. L-shaped brackets 60 are similar to those discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 the reinforcementhorizontal frame member 350 includes a plurality of mounting assemblies370 which couple to a body portion 352 of the horizontal frame member350 and are further disposed in holes 360 cut through the skin assembly6 and through the aesthetic outer surface 14 as shown in FIG. 40. Inthis way, accessories, such as cabinets, do not need to be directlymounted to the skin assembly 6, but rather can be mounted to a brace kitcomprising the horizontal reinforcement member 350 and mountingassemblies 370, such that the frame assembly 3 carries the load.

As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, each mounting assembly 370 includes a rivetnut 372, a cylindrical spacer 374, such as an aluminum spacer, and afoam ring 376. In assembly, the rivet nut 372 is installed into holes354 cut in the body portion 352 of the structural reinforcement member350 as shown in FIG. 38 and then crimped into place as shown in FIG. 39.The spacer 374 is inserted into a foam ring 376 and the foam ring 376 isthen inserted into holes 360 of the skin assembly 6, such that thespacer 374 and foam ring 376 align with the rivet nut 372 in assembly.The foam ring 376 plugs the holes 360 in the skin assembly 6 forblocking sound and light transmission as shown in FIG. 40.

With the skin assembly 6 in place on the frame assembly 3 as shown inFIG. 40, an accessory, such as a cabinet 380, shown in phantom in FIG.43, can be coupled to the partition system using mounting assemblies370. When mounting an item such as a cabinet, multiple reinforcementhorizontal members 350, 350′ may be required. As shown in FIG. 43, acabinet assembly 380 is mounted to the mounting assemblies 370 disposedon upper and lower structural reinforcement horizontal members 350 viafasteners 382, such that the cabinet 380 is spaced apart from thereinforcement horizontal member 350 by spacers 374, thereby allow roomfor the skin assembly 6. In this way, the load of the cabinet 380 istied into the reinforcement horizontal member 350 and the frame assembly3, and therefore does not carry to the skin assembly 6.

Referring now to FIG. 44, vertical frame members 10 of the frameassembly 3 are shown supporting a structural horizontal member 450 whichis adapted to couple to a ceiling track 13. The structural horizontalmember 450 includes a first side 452 and a second side 454 havingupwardly opening channels 456 and 458 disposed on either side of a bodyportion 460. In the cross section, the structural horizontal member 450has an upwardly opening channel 462 disposed above the body portion 460,and a downwardly opening channel 461 disposed below the body portion460. The ceiling track 13 includes a body portion 472 and first andsecond sides 474, 476 disposed on either side of the body portion 472 todefine a downwardly opening “C” channel 478. In assembly, first andsecond sides 474, 476 are received within the upwardly opening channels456 and 458 of the structural horizontal member 450. The structuralhorizontal member 450 is adapted to receive seal strips 465 as coupledto the first and second sides 452, 454 of the structural horizontalmember 450. The ceiling track 13 further includes a seal 480 which isadapted to coupled to the body portion 472 of the ceiling track 13, andfurther includes outwardly extending resiliently flexible seal portions482 which are adapted to create a seal between the ceiling track 14 anda ceiling surface in assembly.

As shown in FIGS. 45A and 45B, the sealing strips 465 include a bodyportion 467 having outwardly extending sweep portions 466 disposed onthe upper and lower portions of the body 467. A hook-shaped member 468is disposed on the upper end of the body portion 467 on the oppositesides of the sweeps 466, wherein the hook shaped member 468 is adaptedto couple to the first and second sides 452, 454 of the structuralhorizontal member 450 as shown in FIG. 44. In assembly, and as shown inFIG. 46, the upper sweep 466 of sealing strip 465 forms a seal betweenthe structural horizontal member 450 and the ceiling track 13. The lowersweeps 466 of the sealing strips 465 are adapted to form seals betweenthe structural horizontal member 450 and panel assemblies 6 as coupledto the frame assembly 3.

As shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, the vertical frame members 10 include apost extension system having post extensions 490 telescopingly receivedwithin slotted channels 30 of the vertical frame members 10. The postextensions 490 are telescopingly received within the slotted channel 30such that the post extensions 490 can be vertically adjusted to accountfor variations in a ceiling surface in a building space. The postextensions 490 are coupled to one another via a bracket 492 usingfasteners 494. In assembly, the bracket 492 and the fasteners 494 abutthe ceiling track 13 along the body portion 472 of the ceiling track 13.As shown in FIG. 47, the horizontal structural member 450 is coupled tothe vertical frame members 10 via “L” shaped brackets 60, which aresimilar to the “L” shaped brackets 60 shown in FIGS. 6 and 24. Thus, inassembly, the “L” shaped brackets 60 couple to the body portion 460 ofthe structural horizontal member 450 and also coupled to the channel 24,at a body portion 22, of the vertical frame members 10. As further shownin FIGS. 47 and 48, the acoustical seal 190 disposed on vertical framemember 10 includes looped-shaped sealing portions 200 for sealingagainst panel assemblies as attached to the frame assembly 3.

As further shown in FIG. 48, the vertical frame member 10 is illustratedsupporting two adjacent horizontal structural members 450. Theacoustical seal 190 is coupled to the vertical frame member 10 and abutsthe bottom of the associated adjacent horizontal structural members 450.In the illustrated example, the acoustical seal 190 does not extend toan upper edge of the adjacent horizontal structural members 450. Theexposed surfaces of the adjacent horizontal structural members 450 areadapted to be hidden by ceiling track covers 13 as shown in FIG. 46.However, because of the overall construction of the frame assembly 12,these ceiling track covers 13 may not abut one another, thereby leavinga gap there between which exposes portions of the horizontal structuralmembers 450 located above the acoustical seal 190. In order to mask anygaps between the adjacent horizontal structural members 450 or theceiling track covers 13, an adhesive patch 310 is placed in the positionadjacent to the vertical frame member 10 and above acoustical seal 190,thereby aesthetically covering the portion of the horizontal structuralmembers 450 which the acoustical seal 190 does not cover. It is notedthat the adhesive patch 310 may be color coded to match the acousticalseal 190, the ceiling track covers 13, the adjacent horizontalstructural members 450 or a combination thereof. The color coding mayinclude line features that match the specific configuration of ahorizontal structural member 450, or another similar component, toprovide a seamless appearance to the adhesive patch 310 as applied tothe system.

Referring now to FIGS. 49-51, the panel wall system 1 further includes astructural horizontal member 450′ disposed along a lower portion of thepanel wall assembly, wherein the structural horizontal member 450′ isthe same in configuration as the structural horizontal member 450coupled to the ceiling track 13. At the lower portion of the panel wallassembly 1, the structural horizontal member 450′ is in a reverseorientation as compared to the structural horizontal member 450 coupledto the ceiling track 13. The structural horizontal member 450′ includessealing strips 465 coupled thereto in a similar fashion in regards tostructural horizontal member 450. In assembly, the sealing strips 465include upper sweeps 466 which are adapted to seal between thestructural horizontal member 450′ and panel assemblies as coupled to thepanel wall system. Covers 15 are disposed on either side of thestructural horizontal member 450′ and, in assembly, are coupled to abase track 500. As best shown in FIG. 50, the covers 15 include ahook-shaped portion 17 which is adapted to engage the base track 500.The base track 500 includes first and second sides 502, 504 which coupleto the hook-shaped portions 17 of the covers 15. The base track 500further includes planar portions 506, 508 disposed about opposite sidesof a central channel 510. Sealing strips 512 are disposed near theplanar portions 506, 508 of the base track 500 and include looped-shapedportions 514 adapted to form a seal between the base track 500 and afloor surface 4. Referring again to FIG. 49, a telescoping verticaladjustment member 520 is coupled to the base track 500 and is adapted tomake vertical adjustments of the panel wall system to account for unevenareas of a floor surface. As shown in FIG. 49, a spring member 522 isdisposed between the structural horizontal member 450′ and the basetrack 500 thereby biasing the structural horizontal member 450′ in anupwardly direction from the base track 500. In assembly, the telescopingvertical adjustment member 520 is coupled to the horizontal framemembers 10 using “L” shaped brackets 60 in a similar manner as notedabove. As shown in FIG. 51, the structural horizontal member 450′ isdisposed between vertical frame members 10 wherein each vertical framemember 10 includes a telescoping vertical adjustment assembly 520coupled to the base track 500 for vertical adjustment of the frameassembly 3.

Referring now to FIG. 52, a frame assembly 3 is shown supporting avariety of panel assemblies 6A-6D thereon. Panel 6A is a monolithicpanel which is adapted to couple to the ceiling track 13 and the baseassembly 15 to cover the frame assembly 3 along an entire verticallength thereof. Panel 6B is a top skin assembly while panel assemblies6C and 6D are intermediate and bottom panel assemblies respectively. Asshown in FIG. 52, the monolithic panel assembly 6A is positioned on theframe assembly 3 by first moving a top edge of the panel assembly 6Atowards the ceiling track 13 in a direction indicated by arrow M forengagement of an attachment feature, such as a spring loaded top supportmember 160 described above with reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B. Thebottom edge of the monolithic panel assembly 6A is then rotated towardsthe base assembly 15 of the frame assembly 3 in a direction as indicatedby arrow N. Once in position, the monolithic panel 6A will then movedownward to engage the base assembly 15 using an attachment feature,such as one or more support members 72 as described above with referenceto FIGS. 15 and 16. Similarly, the top panel assembly 6B is movedtowards the ceiling track 13 in a direction that is indicated by arrow Mand the rotated towards the frame assembly 3 in a direction as indicatedby arrow N. The intermediate panel assembly 6C and bottom panel assembly6D are adapted to couple to the frame assembly 3 in a different manner.The panel assemblies 6C, 6D are first positioned such that an engagementfeature, such as a support member 72, will engage frame member 12through a downward movement in the direction indicated by arrow O. Oncethe bottom edges of the panel assemblies 6C, 6D are positioned on thehorizontal frame members 12 or base assembly 15, the panel assemblies6C, 6D are then rotated toward the frame assembly 3 in a direction asindicated by arrow P. Once in position, the panel assemblies 6A-6D arelocked into place using latch mechanisms 70 as shown and described abovewith reference to FIGS. 7-10.

Referring now to FIGS. 53 and 54, intermediate skin assembly 6C is shownbeing positioned on the frame assembly 3 using support member 72 toengage upwardly opening channel 44 of horizontal frame member 12.Positioning assemblies 74, 76 are further shown engaging respectivevertical frame members 10 to properly position panel assembly 6Claterally on the frame assembly 3. The support member 72 and positioningassembly 74, 76 are coupled to inwardly facing inner surface 16 of thepanel assembly 6C. As further shown in FIG. 53, a plurality of latchmechanisms 70A-70E are coupled to the inner surface 16 of panel assembly6C. The latch mechanisms 70A-70E are used to secure panel assembly 6C tothe frame assembly 3 as shown in FIG. 54. Once the panel assembly 6C isengaged with the lower horizontal member 12, the top edge of the panelassembly 6C is rotated towards the frame assembly 3 in a direction asindicated by arrow P in FIG. 52. As shown in FIG. 54, handle portions102A-102D of the actuator levers of latch mechanisms 70A-70D are visibleand disposed outwardly from the outer surface 14 of the panel assembly6C. In this way, the handle portions 102A-102D of the actuator levers oflatch mechanisms 70A-70D function as an indication mechanism to a userthat the latch mechanisms 70A-70A are not in a latched position, suchthat the panel assembly 6C is not properly secured to the frame assembly3. Handle portions 102A and 102B are moved upward as indicated by arrowsE which moves the latch members of latch mechanisms 70A and 70B to thelatched position A as described above with reference to FIG. 8. Handleportions 102C and 102D are moved downward in a path as indicated byarrow E to also latch the latch mechanisms 70C, 70D to the horizontalframe member 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 55 and 56, an intermediate panel assembly 6E isshown having inner surface 16 with a plurality of latch mechanisms 70disposed along a top portion thereof. Positioning assemblies 74, 76 arepositioned on a bottom portion of the inner surface 16 and a supportmember 72 is further coupled thereto. Positioning assemblies 250 arefurther coupled to the inner surface 16 and disposed along a top portionthereof. Thus, as shown in FIG. 56, the support member 72 andpositioning assemblies 74, 76 are generally engaged with the frameassembly 3 as the panel assembly 6E moves downward in a direction asindicated by arrow O. The top portion of the panel assembly 6BE is thenrotated towards the frame assembly 3 in a direction as indicated byarrow P, whereby the spring member 262, as shown and described abovewith reference to FIG. 19B, helps to position the panel assembly 6E inplace and ensure engagement of the support member 72 to the horizontalframe member 12. Once properly rotated into place along a direction asindicated by arrow P, the latch mechanisms 70 are actuated to secure thepanel assembly 6E to the frame assembly 3.

The positioning assemblies 250 may be used in a configuration as shownin FIG. 55 for a panel, such as panel 6E which is a generally smallerpanel that may not have the weight to gravitationally seat the panel 6Eon the support assembly 72 or the positioning assemblies 74, 76. Thus,the downward movement, in the direction as indicated by arrow O,provided by the biasing mechanisms 262 drive the panel to its properposition. The position assemblies 250 may further be placed on sideportions of the panel 6E in order to laterally adjust the position of apanel in assembly as further described below.

The size of the panel being installed on a frame assembly may dictatethe number of latch mechanisms, support mechanisms, and positionassemblies necessary to properly secure a panel to the frame assembly.For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, a segmented panel wall assembly 1 isshown having multiple panel assemblies 6, 6′ which are spaced apartalong a frame assembly 3, such that gaps 110 are formed between adjacentpanel assemblies 6, 6′ as best shown in FIG. 28. The present inventionis designed to provide gap controlling features, such that the aestheticappearance of the panel wall assembly 1 is consistent and uniform. Incontrolling the gaps between adjacent panel assemblies, the placement ofpositioning assemblies, such as positioning assemblies 74, 76, 250, and252 are chosen to permit greater production tolerances while alleviatingtolerance stack ups that could otherwise lead to unsightly variations inthe gaps 110 between adjacent panel assemblies 6, 6′. As shown in FIG.53, panel 6C has inner surface 16 with positioning assemblies 74, 76disposed on first and second side edges of panel 6C. The positioningassemblies 74, 76 are best shown engaging the vertical and horizontalframe members 10, 12 in FIGS. 17 and 18 respectively. As shown in FIG.18, positioning member 150 is adjustable laterally in a direction asindicated by arrow H. When the positioning member 150 is properlyadjusted, the positioning assembly 76 defines a registration point forthe panel 6C. Thus, in assembly and as shown in FIG. 18, positioningassembly 76 bears on the horizontal frame member 12 with verticallyadjustable downwardly opening hook portion 130. The engagement of thedownwardly opening hook portion 130 with frame member 12 preventsvertical movement of the panel 6C. Further, positioning member 150 abutsa side portion of vertical frame member 10, thereby preventing lateralmovement of the panel 6C towards the vertical member 10. In this way,positioning member 76 is coupled to the inner surface 16 of panel member6C thereby defining a registration point for the panel 6C at a lowerright-hand corner of the panel 6C when viewed along inner surface 16.This registration point translates to the lower left-hand corner of thepanel 6C when viewed from the outer surface 14 as shown in FIG. 54. Oncethe registration point has been set by the downwardly opening hookportion 130 and positioning member 150 the panel member 6C is driven tothe registration point by a driving member as further described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 53, positioning member 74 includes abiasing member 142 in the form of a biasing spring which bears laterallyagainst an inner side edge of horizontal frame member 10. In this way,positioning member 74 is a driving member which drives the panel, 6 or6C, laterally in a direction as indicated by arrow G. As further shownin FIG. 17, positioning member 74 includes downwardly opening hookportion 130 as well as a second flange 140 which are adapted to engagethe horizontal frame member 12 to sufficiently limit vertical movementof the panel member 6. As best shown in FIG. 53, the positioningassemblies 74 and 76 are disposed on opposite side edges of the panel 6Csuch that driving member 74 laterally drives the panel 6C towards theregistration point which is set by positioning member 150 and downwardlyopening hook portion 130 of positioning assembly 76. As shown in FIG.52, a monolithic panel 6A comprises an outer perimeter wherein theheight of the monolithic panel is greater than the width of the panel6A. A typical ratio of height to width for a monolithic panel, such aspanel 6A, can be anywhere from 2 to 1 or greater. When such adimensional ratio is realized, a second set of positioning members canbe utilized to ensure the gaps 110 between adjacent panel assemblies 6,6′ is consistent throughout the panel walls assembly 1. The ratio neednot be 2 to 1 with regards to the height and width of a panel, however,when the height exceeds the length of a panel, a second set of lateralpositioning members could be used to help maintain gap control throughthe system. An example of a second set of positioning members is shownin FIGS. 19B and 19C. Thus, a monolithic panel member, or a smallerportrait style panel member, could include a lower positioning assemblyand driving member in a similar configuration to positioning assembly 76and driving member 74 shown in FIG. 53. Positioning assemblies 250 and252 would be mounted on the monolithic panel along the side edgesthereof near a mid or top portion of the panel 6A. The biasing mechanism260 of positioning assembly 250 defines a driving member for themonolithic panel 6A which drives the panel towards a second registrationpoint which is set by positioning member 300. Thus as described above,positioning member 300 is an adjustable positioning member is laterallyadjustable to help locate a panel horizontally as positioned on a frameassembly. Positioning assembly or driving member 250 then drives thepanel member towards the second registration point set by positioningmember 300. As shown in FIGS. 19B and 19C, the driving member 250 andpositioning assembly 252 are precise instruments used to accuratelydefine a second registration point for a large panel, such as monolithicpanel 6A shown in FIG. 52. The positioning assembly 252 and drivingmember 250 must be more accurately positioned on the panel as tolerancesdefined along a length of the monolithic panel 6A are multipliedrelative to the tolerances of the lower positioning assemblies 74, 76.The registration points noted above could be adjustable or fixed values.Whether fixed or adjustable values are used, the registration point canbe set at a manufacturing facility for later installation in the fieldusing the predetermined registration point.

As noted above, and with specific reference to FIG. 13, the handleportions 102 of the latch mechanism 70 are adapted to move to a recessedposition C where the handle portions 102 are concealed behind innersurface 16 of a panel assembly as shown in FIG. 58. Thus, in order toretrieve the handle portion 102 of latch mechanism 70 from between theframe assembly and the panel assembly 6, a user U, as shown in FIG. 57,uses a tool 650 having engagement portions 652, 654 which furtherinclude cradle portions 656 adapted to engage the handle portion 102 ofa latch mechanism 70 when in a latched position. The user U thenleverages the tool 650 to overcome the bias of the biasing spring 98, asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 13, to move the actuator level100 into the gap 110 defined between adjacent panel assemblies 6, 6′. Inthis way, the user can retrieve handle portion 102 of an actuator lever100 for releasing a panel assembly 6 from the frame assembly 3. Asfurther shown in FIG. 58, the latch mechanisms 70 may include a lockingfeature which, as shown in FIG. 58, is in the form of a fastener 660that is used to engage an aperture 662 disposed on the housing portion80A of the latch mechanism 70 to retain the latch member 86 in thelatched positioned A. In this way, the latch mechanism 70 is locked in alatched position on the frame assembly such that access to the interiorof the frame assembly is necessary to release a locked panel assembly 6from the frame assembly 3.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

We claim:
 1. A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly,comprising the steps of: providing a panel member having inner and outersurfaces; providing one or more positioning assemblies on the innersurface of the panel, the one or more positioning assemblies each havingan adjustable positioning member adapted to engage the frame assembly;setting the positioning members to determine a registration point forthe panel member; providing one or more driving assemblies on the innersurface of the panel, the one or more driving assemblies each having abiasing member adapted to engage the frame assembly; and driving thepanel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly. 2.The method of claim 1, including: providing one or more latch mechanismson the inner surface of the panel member, the one or more latchmechanisms each having a latch member adapted to engage the frameassembly.
 3. The method of claim 2, including: latching the latchmechanisms to secure the panel member to the frame assembly.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, including: locking the latch mechanism in a latchedcondition on the frame assembly.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thepanel member includes a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and secondside edges.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of providing oneor more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel memberfurther includes mounting the one or more positioning assemblies alongthe first side edge.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step ofproviding one or more driving assemblies on the inner surface of thepanel member further includes mounting the one or more drivingassemblies along the second side edge.
 8. The method of claim 5, whereinthe step of providing one or more positioning assemblies on the innersurface of the panel member further includes mounting the one or morepositioning assemblies along the bottom edge.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the step of providing one or more driving assemblies on theinner surface of the panel member further includes mounting the one ormore driving assemblies along the top edge.
 10. The method of claim 5,wherein the step of providing, one or more positioning, assemblies onthe inner surface of the panel member further includes mounting the oneor more positioning assemblies along the bottom edge and one of thefirst side edge and the second side edge.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the step of providing one or more driving assemblies on theinner surface of the panel member further includes mounting the one ormore driving assemblies along the top edge and an opposite side edgerelative to the mounting of the positioning assemblies.
 12. A method ofinstalling a panel member on a frame assembly, comprising the steps of:providing a panel member having an inner surface, a top edge, a bottomedge, and first and second side edges, wherein the panel member has aheight that exceeds a width of the panel member; mounting a firstpositioning assembly on the inner surface of the panel, the firstpositioning assembly having an adjustable positioning member adapted toengage the frame assembly; setting the positioning, member to determinea first registration point for the panel member; providing a firstdriving assembly on the inner surface of the panel, the first drivingassembly having a biasing member adapted to engage the frame assembly;and driving the panel member towards the first registration point on theframe assembly.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of mountinga first positioning assembly on the inner surface of the panel memberfurther includes mounting the first positioning assembly along thebottom edge and adjacent to the first side edge.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein the step of mounting a first driving assembly on the innersurface of the panel member further includes mounting the first drivingassembly along the bottom edge and adjacent to the second side edge. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein the frame assembly includes first andsecond vertical frame members, and further wherein the adjustablepositioning member engages the first frame member.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the biasing, member bears against the second framemember to drive the panel member towards the first frame member.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, including the steps of: mounting a secondpositioning assembly on the inner surface of the panel, the secondpositioning assembly having a positioning member adapted to engage theframe assembly to define a second registration point for the panelmember; providing a second driving assembly on the inner surface of thepanel, the first driving assembly having a biasing member adapted toengage the frame assembly; and driving the panel member towards thesecond registration point on the frame assembly.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the step of mounting a second positioning assembly on theinner surface of the panel member further includes mounting the secondpositioning assembly vertically spaced from the first positioningassembly.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of mounting asecond driving assembly on the inner surface of the panel member furtherincludes mounting the second positioning assembly vertically spaced fromthe first driving assembly.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thefirst positioning assembly and the first driving assembly are located asubstantially similar vertical distance from the bottom edge of thepanel member, and further wherein the second positioning assembly andthe second driving assembly are located a substantially similar verticaldistance from the top edge of the panel member.